Apex Locator - Root Canal Finder

Successful root canal therapy requires accurate location of the apical foramen. An apex locator is used in conjunction with radiography, in many cases, as an additional measure to ensure proper determination of canal length.

Apex Locator Purchase - Things To Consider

The modern apex locator is a small, light weight unit which typically operates off batteries when necessary to increase portability. They all have some form of display to indicate the approximate distance of the file tip to the apex, and to show when the apical foramen is reached. Many have audible alarms which can be set to the operators preference for an additional indication to ensure accuracy of measurement.

Apex Locator Autoclavable Components

Components coming into contact with the patient are typically lip clips (or electrodes), and file clips (or holders). These items can be expected to wear out over time, especially with autoclave requirements, and are available for purchase through the manufacturers. The cost (when available) of these items is included in the apex locator comparison below, as this should be considered prior to purchase. The table is a good comparison of some of the top selling apex locator units we have looked at, but does not include all of the excellent units available.

As computer micro chip technology gets more and more compact, so goes the apex locator. The Morita Root ZX mini is a super compact design containing the same technology that made the Morita Root ZX II the number one seller.

Morita Root ZX Mini - Picture Says It All

The fact that it measures just over 4" by 2" makes the 97.5% accuracy rate of the Morita Root ZX Mini interesting. The weight of 3.88 ounces makes it hard to overlook. LCD technology makes this possible, while still providing a screen capable of viewing from a distance. The Mini also offers 3 programmable memory settings, can withstand a pretty good drop, calibrates itself, and turns itself off to save battery power.

Morita Root ZX Mini - Accurate Measurement

Utilizing its own version of the ratio technique, Morita Root ZX mini provides accurate indication of file location. Accuracy is not affected by the presence or absence of blood, electrolytes, saline, tap water, or hydrogen peroxide.
Also, unit does not require zeroing before measuring each individual canal. Flash bar and memory bar available to be set as guides for canal measurement and enlargement. Flash bar can be set anywhere between 2 and APEX. Memory bar is used as a guide when file size is changed for canal enlargement.

Apex Locators - Insight

Added insight from a tool you will use to help ensure a successful procedure. Apex Locators are a must have for the modern endodontic practice.

Apex Locators - How They Work

Apex Locators use an electrical circuit, with a pain-free current traveling through the root canal, actually using the patients oral tissues as a conductive flow path.

To achieve this circuit, a lead is attached to a file, which in turn, is placed into the root canal. Another lead is attached to the patients lip to complete the setup. Since hard tooth structure is a poor conductor, the signal at initial setup, will be very weak at best. As file is advanced through this area to the patients apical foramen, the signal becomes very strong due to the electrical conductivity of these tissues. Signal is transmitted to the operator via the consoles LCD screen and typically an audible alarm.

Apex Locator Technology - Just How Accurate Is It?

Studies show that electronic apex location technology is very sound, accurate, and when used in conjunction with a good radiograph, provides the best feedback available for determining apical foramen location. The key is the ability of newer apex locators to perform accurately in varying degrees of viscous fluids. Earlier models showed difficulty measuring distance accurately when files were immersed in fluids containing a high degree of blood. All newer models have greatly overcome this impediment, of course, some a little better than others. In the hands of capable operators, modern apex locators provide time saving information for more efficient case treatments.

Apex Locators Available on Ebay

NSK Ipex - New Technology

NSK breaks into the apex locator business with the iPex. Advanced digital unit accurately measures length of any Root canal, including dry, wet and bloody canals, and virtually eliminates the problems encountered by the older analogue locators. Automatic frequency selection calibrates unit to each patient’s canal condition. Large LCD displays are common place in the newer digital apex locators, but this one seems a bit larger than most. Audio signal provides additional accurate feedback for precise canal treatment.

NSK IPex Units Available on Ebay

J. Morita Tri Auto ZX - Portable

The cordless J. Morita Tri Auto ZX is an endodontic handpiece with built-in apex locator. It operates as a low speed handpiece for flaring the upper part of the canal, shapes and cleans lower canal portions while monitoring depth and position of file, and built in locator measures length of root.

Used in combination with a good radiograph, the Tri Auto ZX can increase accuracy and safety.

J. Morita Tri Auto ZX Available on Ebay

SybronEndo Elements - Apex Locator

The SybronEndo proprietary 4th generation Elements Diagnostic Unit and Apex Locator offers predictability and accuracy. The diagnostic unit's scanner also provides for pain free electric pulp testing, adding to the array of tools available to the operator.

SybronEndo Elements - Improved

New SybronEndo Elements software and hardware optimizes earlier engineering to provide precise measurements which can be easily read on the Satellite Display, which you can place as necessary within your field of vision. This is an option available on very few other apex locators we have reviewed. The SybronEndo Elements is a good unit with additional diagnostic features not found combined with other manufacturers apex locators.

If you are looking for a SybronEndo unit with a little more portability, take a look at the SybronEndo Mini. I literally fits into the palm of your hand.

SybronEndo Mini - Compact, Accurate

The SybronEndo Mini Apex Locator™ delivers the power of apex location in a unit easily carried between operatories. Accuracy is very good. Price is below the norm for this level of quality.

Despite its compact size, the SybronEndo Mini is very durable and combines a sophisticated measurement system with relative ease of use.
Another good apex locator from this manufacturer is the SybronEndo Elements Diagnostic Unit with Apex Locator.
All digital signal of the SybronEndo Mini allows for shorter, easier to manage cable than other apex locators.

SybronEndo Mini Summary:

No counter space required

Compact

Digital Signal Processing

Easily portable

Low price

SybronEndo Mini Apex Locators Available on Ebay

Root ZX II - Accurate apical foramen measurement

Invented in 1992, the J. Morita Root ZX II is currently one of the best selling apex locators. It has proven itself safe and accurate, and was the first unit providing dentists the capability to work in wet canals. Blood and other fluids do not typically affect measurements.

Root ZX II patented technology offers an accuracy rate above 96%. LCD readout is large and easy to read. Action of the meter in the display corresponds to the tactile sensation of using the file.

Other Root ZX II Features

slim, lightweight file holder

no zero-adjustment

automatic calibration

battery power indication

automatic power off function.

As an optional upgrade, a module enables the unit to function as a low speed handpiece, apex locator, or a combination of both. The module snaps easily onto the back of the unit and offers numerous safety features including Auto Torque Slow Down.

An in vitro comparison of three apex locators concluded that the Root ZX II was significantly more accurate at finding the apical foramen than competitive models. See the following: In Vitro Comparison

J. Morita Root ZX II Apex Locators available on Ebay

Another tool in the arsenal

"Studies show that electronic apex location technology is very sound, accurate, and when used in conjunction with a good radiograph, provides the best feedback available for determining apical foramen location."